Strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_225-001’

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_225-001’. This new strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_225-001’ is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of West Central Florida, and is primarily characterized by its achenes typically set even with or just below the surface of the fruit, vigorous plant habit, very high marketable yield, early time of first flower and fruit, and very large berry size.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Fragariaananassa.

Variety denomination: ‘SB_14_225-001’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct strawberry varietynamed ‘SB_14_225-001’. This new variety is a result of a controlledcross made in 2014 in an ongoing breeding program between strawberryvariety designated ‘Florida127’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 25,574) as the seed(female) parent, and an unknown pollen (male) parent. The variety isbotanically known as Fragaria ananassa.

The seedling resulting from the aforementioned cross was selected from acontrolled breeding plot in Hillsborough County, Fla. in the fall/winterof 2021-2022. After its selection, the new variety was asexuallypropagated by stolons in both Siskiyou County, Calif. and San JoaquinCounty, Calif. The new variety was extensively tested over the nextseveral years in fruiting fields in Hillsborough County, Fla. Thispropagation has demonstrated that the combination of traits disclosedherein as characterizing the new variety are fixed and remaintrue-to-type through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

‘SB_14_225-001’ is primarily adapted to the climate and growingconditions of West Central Florida. The subtropical climate of WestCentral Florida provides the day length and moderate temperatures neededto produce an early yielding, vigorous plant and maintain fruit qualityduring the fall and winter production months.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe unique characteristics of ‘SB_14_225-001’, which in combinationdistinguish this strawberry plant as a new and distinct variety:

-   -   1. Achenes typically set even with or just below the surface of        the fruit;    -   2. Vigorous plant habit;    -   3. Very high marketable yield;    -   4. Early time of first flower and fruit; and    -   5. Very Large berry size.

‘Florida Brilliance’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 30,564) is currently thedominant strawberry variety in Hillsborough County, Fla. The fruits of‘SB_14_225-001’ are similar in color, and shape to ‘Florida Brilliance’.The achenes of ‘Florida Brilliance’ are more sunken than those of‘SB_14_225-001’ and its plant architecture is more open. In side-by-sidecomparisons from the 2021-2022 season (Nov. 23, 2021 to Feb. 25, 2022)‘SB_14_225-001’ compares with ‘Florida Brilliance’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.30,564) in the following combination of characteristics as described inTable 1.

TABLE 1 ‘Florida Brilliance’ ‘SB_14_225- (U.S. Plant Characteristic 001’Pat. No. 30,564) November marketable yield 72 18 (gm/plt) Seasonmarketable yield (grm/plt) 864 562 November average berry size (gm) 23.820.8 Season average berry size (gm) 31.1 27.3 Average runners/plant 1.73.4

For identification, a series of molecular markers have been determinedfor this new variety.

‘SB_14_225-001’ compares with its parent, ‘Florida127’ (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 25,574) in the following combination of characteristics as describedin Table 2.

TABLE 2 ‘Florida127’ (U.S. Plant Characteristic ‘SB_14_225-001’ Pat. No.25,574) Fruit: size Very Large Very Large Fruit: early Very High Mediummarketable yield Fruit: color Medium red Light red Fruit: seed positionSlightly below to Slightly below to even even with surface with surface

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance oftypical specimens of the new strawberry variety ‘SB_14_225-001’ atvarious stages of development, as true as it is reasonably possible withcolor reproductions of this type. Color in the photographs may differslightly from the color value cited in the botanical descriptions whichaccurately describe the color of ‘SB_14_225-001’. The depicted plant andplant parts of the new strawberry variety ‘SB_14_225-001’ areapproximately four months old. The photographs were taken inHillsborough County, Fla.

FIG. 1 shows typical fruiting field characteristics of ‘SB_14_225-001’,taken in the month of February 2022;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a typical plant of ‘SB_14_225-001’,taken in the month of February 2022;

FIG. 3 shows typical mature and immature field fruit of ‘SB_14_225-001’,taken in the month of February 2022; and

FIG. 4 shows typical internal and external mature fruit characteristicsof ‘SB_14_225-001’, taken in the month of February 2022.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new variety ‘SB_14_225-001’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The characteristics of the new variety‘SB_14_225-001’ may vary in detail, depending upon variations inenvironmental factors, including weather (temperature, humidity andlight intensity), day length, soil type and location. In addition, thecharacteristics of any parental variety or comparison variety includedin Table 1 of the present invention may vary in detail, depending uponvariations in environmental factors, including weather (temperature,humidity and light intensity), day length, soil type and location.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following descriptionof the new variety ‘SB_14_225-001’, unless otherwise noted, are based onobservations taken during the 2021-2022 growing season in HillsboroughCounty, Fla. These measurements and ratings were taken from plants of‘SB_14_225-001’ dug from a high-elevation nursery located in SiskiyouCounty, Calif. during mid-September 2021 and planted approximately fourto five days later in Hillsborough County, Fla. The approximate age ofthe observed plants is four months. Yield observations including averageweight and marketable yield, along with fruit quality characteristicsincluding soluble solids, were measured during the 2021-2022 growingseason. Flower measurements and characteristics are from secondaryflowers unless otherwise noted. Fruit characteristics and measurementsare from secondary fruit, unless otherwise noted.

Where noted, color terminology follows The Royal Horticultural SocietyColour Chart, London (2015).

The following characteristics describe fruit, plant, stolon, foliage,fruiting truss, flower, reproductive organs and pest and diseasecharacteristics of the new strawberry ‘SB_14_225-001’.

-   Fruit characteristics:    -   -   Color of mature fruit.—RHS N45A (red group).        -   Color of internal flesh (excluding core).—RHS N34B            (orange-red group).        -   Color of core.—RHS 36D (red group).        -   Average length (cm).—4.7.        -   Average width (cm).—4.2.        -   Size.—Very Large.        -   Average length/width ratio.—1.1 (ranges from as long as            broad to slightly longer than broad).        -   Average calyx diameter (cm).—5.3.        -   Season average weight (gm).—30.1.        -   Achene color, shaded side.—RHS 172A (greyed-orange group).        -   Achene color, sun-exposed side.—RHS 162A (greyed-yellow            group).        -   Average achene weight (mg).—<4.0.        -   Average achenes per berry.—251.        -   Average achene length (mm).—2.3.        -   Average achene width (mm).—1.1.        -   Season marketable yield (gm/plant).—1129.        -   Predominant shape.—Conical.        -   Difference in shape between primary and secondary            fruit.—Ranges from moderate to large.        -   Band without achenes.—Very narrow.        -   Evenness of surface.—Even.        -   Evenness of color.—Even.        -   Glossiness.—Medium.        -   Insertion of achenes.—Slightly below to even with surface.        -   Position of calyx attachment.—Inserted.        -   Attitude of sepals.—Outward.        -   Size of calyx in relation to fruit diameter.—Larger.        -   Adherence of calyx (when fully ripe).—Strong.        -   Firmness of flesh (gf).—488.        -   Distribution of red color of the flesh.—Marginal and            central.        -   Hollow center expression.—Moderate.        -   Average cavity length (mm).—16.5.        -   Average cavity width (mm).—6.1.        -   Soluble solids (% brix).—7.3.        -   Time of first flowering.—Early (early to mid-October in            Hillsborough County, Fla.).        -   Flowering season.—October-February.        -   Time of first fruit.—Early (mid-November in Hillsborough            County, Fla.).        -   Fruiting season.—November-March.        -   Post-harvest fruit longevity.—9-11 days if stored according            to industry standards.        -   Type of bearing.—Not remontant.-   Plant characteristics:    -   -   Average height (cm).—32.2.        -   Average spread (cm).—42.1.        -   Size.—Very large.        -   Habit.—Upright.        -   Density.—Medium/High.        -   Vigor.—Very high.-   Stolon characteristics:    -   -   Color.—RHS N144C (yellow-green group).        -   Anthocyanin coloration.—RHS 176C (greyed-orange group).        -   Anthocyanin intensity.—Weak.        -   Pubescence.—Medium.        -   Attitude of hairs.—Slightly outward.        -   Average quantity in nursery (per square foot).—6.9 (medium            to few).        -   Average diameter at the bract (mm).—2.1 (medium).        -   Average length (cm).—45.1.-   Terminal leaflet characteristics:    -   -   Color of upper surface.—RHS 139A (green group).        -   Color of underside.—RHS 138A (green group).        -   Average length (cm).—7.3.        -   Average width (cm).—7.0.        -   Average area terminal (cm ²).—51.1.        -   Average length/width ratio.—1.04 (slightly longer than            broad).        -   Shape of base.—Obtuse.        -   Margins (shape of teeth).—Serrate to crenate.        -   Average serrations per leaf.—21.9.-   Foliage characteristics:    -   -   Color of upper surface.—RHS 139A (green group).        -   Color of underside.—RHS 138A (green group).        -   Number of leaflets.—3.        -   Leaf size.—Medium.        -   Average length (cm).—11.2.        -   Average width (cm).—12.9.        -   Average area foliage (cm ²).—144.5.        -   Shape in cross section.—Slightly concave.        -   Texture/interveinal blistering.—Medium.        -   Leaf glossiness.—Medium.        -   Leaf variegation.—Absent.        -   Venation pattern.—Pinnate.        -   Apex descriptor.—Obtuse.        -   Secondary leaflet average length (cm).—6.8.        -   Secondary leaflet average width (cm).—7.3.-   Petiole characteristics:    -   -   Petiole color.—RHS N144D (yellow-green group).        -   Average length (cm).—15.6.        -   Average diameter (mm).—2.6.        -   Petiolule color.—RHS 145B (yellow-green group).        -   Petiolule average length (mm).—16.0.        -   Average petiolule diameter (mm).—1.4.        -   Attitude of hairs.—Strongly outward.        -   Texture.—Smooth.        -   Frequency of bract leaflets.—Ranges from 0 to 2 (70%            occurrence).        -   Size of bract leaflets.—Small to Large.        -   Pubescence.—Medium.-   Stipule characteristics:    -   -   Color.—RHS 145B (yellow-green group).        -   Anthocyanin coloration.—RHS 182B (greyed-red group).        -   Anthocyanin intensity.—Mild.        -   Average length (mm).—42.0.        -   Average width (mm).—11.3.        -   Base descriptor.—Truncate.        -   Apex descriptor.—Obtuse.        -   Shape.—Triangular.        -   Margin.—Smooth.        -   Texture.—Smooth.-   Fruiting truss characteristics:    -   -   Anthocyanin coloration.—N/A.        -   Anthocyanin intensity.—N/A.        -   Pubescence.—Medium.        -   Secondary fruiting truss average length at maturity            (cm).—19.0.        -   Attitude at first pick.—Prostrate.        -   Position relative to foliage.—Ranges from level with to            below.        -   Flower quantity (average per plant season long).—38 (medium            to high).        -   Average fruits per truss.—13.3.        -   Pedicel attitude of hairs.—Slightly outward.        -   Average pedicel length (cm).—15.9.        -   Average pedicel diameter (mm).—2.0.        -   Pedicel texture.—Smooth.        -   Pedicel color.—RHS 145A (yellow-green group).        -   Average peduncle length (cm).—2.9.        -   Average peduncle diameter (mm).—2.8.        -   Peduncle texture.—Smooth.        -   Peduncle color.—145C.-   Flower characteristics:    -   -   Flower bud shape.—Pyriform.        -   Average flower bud length (mm).—17.9.        -   Average flower bud diameter (mm).—5.8.        -   Flower bud color.—RHS 145C (yellow-green group).        -   Flower depth (mm).—5.6.        -   Corolla (flower) average diameter (mm).—26.1 (ranges from            medium to large).        -   Upper petal color.—RHS NN155C (white group).        -   Lower petal color.—RHS N155D (white group).        -   Petal shape.—Orbicular.        -   Petal apex descriptor.—Obtuse/Rounded.        -   Petal margin.—Smooth.        -   Petal base.—Decurrent.        -   Petal texture.—Smooth.        -   Petal average length (mm).—9.9.        -   Petal average width (mm).—10.6.        -   Petal average length/width ratio.—0.93 (more broad than            long).        -   Average petals per flower.—6.8.        -   Relative position of petals (flowers with 5 or 6            petals).—Overlapping.        -   Upper sepal color.—RHS 139A (green group).        -   Lower sepal color.—RHS 137C (green group).        -   Sepal shape.—Cuneate.        -   Sepal apex descriptor.—Obtuse.        -   Sepal margin.—Serrate.        -   Sepal texture.—Smooth.        -   Sepal average length (mm).—13.0.        -   Sepal average width (mm).—5.5.        -   Sepal average length/width ratio.—2.4.        -   Average sepals per flower.—12.2.        -   Calyx average diameter (mm).—34.1.        -   Size of calyx relative to corolla.—Larger.        -   Size of inner calyx relative to outer calyx.—Same.-   Reproductive organs:    -   -   Receptacle color.—RHS 138D (green group).        -   Pollen color.—RHS 17A (yellow-orange group).        -   Stamen.—Present.        -   Average filament length (mm).—2.7.        -   Filament color.—RHS 154D.        -   Average anther length (mm).—1.3.        -   Anther shape.—Ovoid.        -   Anther color.—RHS 17A (yellow-orange color).        -   Average pistils per flower.—251.        -   Pistil length (mm).—1 to 2.        -   Style length (mm).—0.5 to 1 mm.        -   Style color.—RHS 154D.        -   Stigma diameter (mm).—<0.1.        -   Stigma shape.—Simple.        -   Ovary color.—RHS 138B (green group).        -   Pollen amount.—Moderately Abundant.-   Disease and pest reactions:    -   -   Colletotrichum crown rot (colletotrichum            gloeosporioides).—Susceptible; (Colletotrichum acutatem) —            Susceptible.        -   Macrophomina (macrophomina phaseolina).—Resistant.        -   Pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot (neopestalotiopsis            sp.).—Moderately Susceptible.        -   Phytophthora crown rot (phytophthora cactorum).—Susceptible.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct strawberry plant named ‘SB_14_225-001’,as herein described and illustrated by the characteristics set forthabove.